Statistical analysis of shape of auricular concha for mass customization of OTC hearing aids / Análisis estadístico de la forma de la concha auricular para la personalización masiva de audífonos de venta libre

SUMMARY: A detailed data of shape of auricular concha is currently not available. Therefore, this study constructed a framework to statistically analyze the shape of the auricular concha based on a database of 3D scanned images. The 3D models of the auricular concha from 308 study participants are converted into compatible NURBS surfaces generated through 795 data points to perform a requisite statistical analysis. Subsequently, the shape of the auricular concha of the participants is grouped into 29 clusters with a modified hierarchical clustering algorithm. Finally, a wear trial and simulation test are carried out to validate the wear comfort of a designed OTC hearing aids based on the average shape of each cluster. The experimental results show that the average shape obtained as per the cluster is capable of representing the common geometric properties of their corresponding members, and could thus be used as a reference in designing mass-customized OTC hearing aid. The method in this study is superior to conventional methods that rely on sparse results for shape analysis because it takes into account the intricate geometric shape of the auricular concha. The quantitative description of conchal morphometry will be beneficial for plastic surgeons, and for the ergonomic design of ear-related products.

RESUMEN: Actualmente no se dispone de datos específicos de la forma de la concha auricular. Por lo tanto, este estudio construyó un marco para analizar estadísticamente la forma de ella a partir de una base de datos de imágenes escaneadas en 3D. Los modelos 3D de la concha auricular de 308 participantes del estudio se convirtieron en superficies NURBS compatibles generadas a través de 795 puntos de datos para realizar un análisis estadístico requerido. Posteriormente, la forma de la concha auricular de los participantes se agrupó en 29 grupos con un algoritmo de agrupamiento jerárquico modificado. Finalmente, se llevó a cabo una prueba de uso y una prueba de simulación para validar la comodidad de uso de unos audífonos OTC diseñados en función de la forma promedio de cada grupo. Los resultados experimentales mostraron que la forma promedio obtenida de la concha auricular, según el grupo, es capaz de representar las propiedades geométricas comunes de sus miembros correspondientes y, por lo tanto, podría usarse como referencia en el diseño de audífonos OTC personalizados en masa. El método de este estudio es superior a los métodos convencionales que se basan en resultados escasos para el análisis de forma, porque tiene en consideración la intrincada forma geométrica de la concha auricular. La descripción cuantitativa de la morfometría de la concha auricular será beneficiosa para los cirujanos plásticos y para el diseño ergonómico de productos relacionados con el oído.

Esculetin protects against early sepsis via attenuating inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB and STAT1/STAT3 signaling / 中国天然药物

Esculetin, a natural derivative from the traditional and widely-used Chinese medicinal herb Cortex Fraxini, has a variety of pharmacological effects, especially in anti-inflammation. However, it is not clear whether esculetin has a therapeutic effect on sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and protective effects of esculetin on early sepsis. The results showed that the lung injury was significantly relieved with the treatment of esculetin, accompanied with the restrained production of inflammatory factors including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL2 and iNOS during the early phase of E.coli-induced sepsis. Of note, activation of NF-κB and STAT1/STAT3 signals, the main upstream signals of many inflammatory factors, were attenuated by esculetin in both lung tissues from septic mice and LPS-stimulated macrophage. These findings suggested that the protection of esculetin against early sepsis should be related to its anti-inflammatory effect, which was at least partly due to its inhibition on NF-κB and STAT1/STAT3 signaling pathway in macrophage. Thus, esculetin could serve as a potential therapeutic agent by rebalancing innate immune response in macrophage for the treatment of early sepsis.

Determination of caffeine content in Ginkgo Folium by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry / 中国中药杂志

In this experiment, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatographytandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was established for the determination of caffeine in commercially available Ginkgo Folium. The samples were extracted by ultrasonic method with methanol, and separated on Waters CORTECS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 2.7 μm), with mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid solution-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution for gradient elution, at flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1); column temperature of 30 ℃, and injection volume of 2 μL. Mass spectrometry was conducted at ESI~+ multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode; quantitative analysis was conducted with external standard method. The results showed that in the range of 0.099 6-9.96 ng·mL~(-1), there was a good linear relationship between the mass concentration of caffeine and the peak area, R~2=0.999; the average recovery was 84.51%, with RSD of 6.2%. The results of precision, repeatability and stability showed that the RSD was 5.1%, 5.9%, 7.2%, respectively. The content range of caffeine in 10 batches of Ginkgo Folium was 1.52-60.86 μg·kg~(-1). In conclusion, this method is accurate, reliable and reproducible, which provides a reference for the safety study of Ginkgo Folium.

Effect of Bushen Huatan Prescription on Serum LPS and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Ovariectomy-induced Osteoporosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of Bushen Huatan prescription on serum lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/ myeloid cell differentiation protein 88 （MyD88）/nuclear transcription factor-<italic>κ</italic>B （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B） signaling pathway in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. Method:Sixty SPF 6-month-old female rats were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， estradiol valerate group and Bushen Huatan prescription low， medium and high dose groups.One week after modeling by bilateral ovariectomy， 8 rats in each group were selected to receive intragastric administration.The estradiol valerate group was given 0.184 mg·kg^-1 by gavage， and Bushen Huatan prescription low， middle and high dose groups were given 4.7， 9.4 and 18.8 g·kg^-1 by gavage， sham operation group and model group were given 0.9% saline 4 mL by gavage respectively.After 12 weeks of intervention， the rats were sacrificed for detection.Serum LPS was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， while protein expressions of TLR4， MyD88 and phosphorylated （p）-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in bone tissue were detected by Western blot， and the mRNA expressions of TLR4， MyD88， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and IL-6 in bone tissue were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）. Result:Compared with sham operation group， the serum LPS level as well as protein expression of TLR4， MyD88， p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 and mRNA expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， IL-1<italic>β</italic>， and IL-6 significantly increased in model group（<italic>P</italic><0.05）.Compared with the model group， serum LPS level， protein expression of TLR4， MyD88， and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65， mRNA levels of TLR4， MyD88， and NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in bone tissues as well as downstream inflammatory factors IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-6 mRNA expression decreased to different degrees in estradiol valerate group and Bushen Huatan prescription high dose group（<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Bushen Huatan prescription can reduce serum LPS content， regulate mRNA and protein expression of TLR4， MyD88， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 and p-NF-<italic>κ</italic>B p65 in TLR4/MyD88/NF-<italic>κ</italic>B pathway， and down-regulate mRNA levels of IL-1<italic>β</italic> and IL-6 in bone tissues to improve bone microstructure and inhibit the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis （PMOP）.

Current situation of human resources in disease control and prevention institutions / 上海预防医学

Objective To analyze the staff structure, turnover and income of human resources in disease control and prevention institutions(CDCs)at different levels in China, to identify the existing problems, and to make policy recommendations accordingly. Methods A questionnaire survey was used to collect the data on the staff of CDCs at different levels in China from 2016 to 2018. Descriptive analysis and trend analysis were conducted on the number of staff, recruitment and turnover, income and other indicators in the three years. Results A total of 606 CDCs were included in the study. The proportion of job openings was 11.97% in 2018. Although the median proportion of professional personnel and health professional personnel in the CDCs reached the national standard(85% and 70%, respectively), a considerable number of institutions failed to meet the national standard. From 2016 to 2018, staff turnover in the CDCs has been increasing, with a minimum of 0.73(in 2016, municipal CDCs)and a maximum of 10.52(in 2018, provincial CDCs). In the staff who quit the CDCs, the proportion of junior professionals was the highest, while that of medium and senior professional increased gradually. Of them, the proportion of staff with graduate education in eastern China and provincial CDCs was higher than that of undergraduate education, while the proportion of staff with graduation education in other regions also increased. From 2016 to 2018, the average annual income in the CDCs in most regions did not reach the national average wage level of urban employees in health, social security and social welfare field in the same period. In county and district level CDCs in central and western China, personal income in 2018 was even less than the national average wage level in 2016. Conclusion Human resources in the CDCs at different levels in China remains insufficient and unbalanced, which warrants a"supporting policy"mechanism for public health personnel. The loss of the personnel in the CDCs continues to increase, in which the loss of senior professionals become increasingly serious. It raises a new concern to establish and improve the incentive mechanism of public health personnel. Furthermore, personal income in the CDCs is lower than the local average level. It is necessary to set personal income reasonably according to local economic level.

Effect of heavy metal lead on anticoagulant activity of leech based on label-free quantitative proteomics / 中国中药杂志

Whitmania pigra is the most widely distributed species of leeches in the market. In this study, the effect of heavy metal lead pollution on the anticoagulant activity of Wh. pigra was studied and the potential mechanism was explored. Pb(NO_3)_2 was used to contaminate the breeding soil which was then used to rear Wh. pigra for 50 days(lead-contaminated group, LC group), and meanwhile the blank control group(CG group) was set. Proteins were extracted from the obtained leech samples, and the differentially expressed proteins between LC and CG groups were analyzed by label-free proteomics technology. In this study, a total of 152 differentially expressed proteins were screened out, of which 93 proteins were up-regulated and 59 proteins were down-regulated in LC group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the biological processes enriched with the differentially expressed proteins were mainly vesicle-mediated transport and transport positive regulation; the enriched cell components were mainly endocytosis vesicles and apical plasma membrane; the enriched molecular functions mainly included carbohydrate binding. The differentially expressed proteins were enriched in 76 KEGG pathways, which mainly involved metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. In this study, two differentially expressed proteins with Antistasin domain were presumed, which provides reference for further exploring the regulatory mechanism and signal transduction underlying the effect of lead pollution on the anticoagulant activity of leech.

The Effects of Open-Lung Strategy on Lung Injury Markers in Patients under General Anesthesia with Low-tidal-volume Ventilation / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To determine the effects of an open-lung strategy（OLS）comprising moderate positive end- expiratory pressure （PEEP） and intermittent recruitment manoeuvres（RMs） on plasma levels of lung epithelial injury markers［i.e. soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products（sRAGE）and Clara cell protein（CC16）］during low- tidal-volume ventilation for surgery.【Methods】One hundred patients who were undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection under low-tidal-volume ventilation were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned（1∶1）to the OLS group（using PEEP of 6~8 cmH2O and intermittent RM），or the NOLS group（without using PEEP and RM）. Blood samples were taken before anesthesia induction（T1），immediately after surgery（T2）and the postoperative day 3（T3）to measure the plasma concentrations of sRAGE and CC16. 【Results】 Significant differences were not observed in the concentrations of sRAGE and CC16 at T1，T2 and T3 between the two groups（all P > 0.05）. For all the enrolled patients， the concentrations of sRAGE at T2 and T3 were higher than that at T1，the concentration of sRAGE at T3 was higher than that at T2，and the concentration of CC16 at T3 was higher than that at T1 and T2（all P < 0.05）.【Conclusions】In patients under general anesthesia with low-tidal-volume ventilation，the using of an OLS comprising medium PEEP and intermittent RMs can not alter plasma levels of lung epithelial injury markers（sRAGE and CC16）in three days after surgery.

Notch4 affects migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating activated transcription factor 2 and its possible mechanism / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the effect of Notch4 regulatingATF2 (activating transcription factor 2) on the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells and its possible mechanism. Methods:Atotal of 60 pairs of PC tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues that surgically resected at Taizhou University Hospital during February 2015 and July 2019 were collected for this study. The expression of Notch4 was detected by immunohistochemistry. siRNA technology was used to knock down Notch4 gene expression in PC cell lines (MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1). Transwell assay was used to analyze the effect of Notch4 knockdown on cell invasion and migration. qPCR and Western blotting (WB) were used to detect the effects of Notch4 knockdown on mRNA and protein expressions of Notch4 and ATF2. Results: Compared with para-cancerous tissues, the expression of Notch4 in PC tissues significantly higher (P<0.01). After Notch4 siRNA transfection, the mRNA and protein expressions of Notch4 and ATF2 in MiaPaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells significantly decreased (all P<0.01). Compared with Control siRNA group, the migration and invasion ability of PC cells in Notch4 siRNA groupsignificantlyreduced(allP<0.01).Conclusion:Notch4ishighlyexpressedinPCtissues.Knockdown of Notch4 can down-regulate the expression ofATF2 at the transcriptional level, thereby inhibiting the invasion and migration ability of PC cells.

lncRNA MAFG-AS1 promotes migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis of gastric cancer AGS cells by regulating miR-11181-3p/GLG1 axis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effect of lncRNA MAFG-AS1/ miR-11181-3p/GLG1 axis on cell migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis of gastric cancer (GC) cells and its possible mechanism. Methods: AGS, a GC cell line with relatively high expression of MAFG-AS1, was selected as the study object. qPCR was used to detect RNA expression levels of MAFG-AS1, miR-11181-3p and GLG1. Transwell and glycolysis analysis were used to investigate cell migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis. Bioinformatics analysis and Dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to analyze the interaction among MAFG-AS1, miR-11181-3p and GLG1. Results: Knockdown of MAFG-AS1 significantly up-regulated miR-11181-3p and down-regulated GLG1 expression (both P<0.01), and significantly inhibited migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis of GC cells (all P<0.01). Luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that MAFG-AS1 competitively sponged miR-11181-3p (P<0.01). Inhibition of miR-11181-3p or overexpression of GLG1 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of MAFG-AS1 knockdown on GC cell migration, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis (all P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: MAFG-AS1 promotes cell migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis of GC cells via miR-11181-3p/GLG1 axis, and may be a potential molecular target for GC diagnosis and therapy.

Application of "Zoning Method" foraminotomy in posterior cervical endoscopic surgery / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the safety, effectiveness and consistency of "Zoning Method" foraminotomy in posterior cervical endoscopic surgery.@*METHODS@#From March 2016 to October 2018, 21 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were enrolled. Endoscopic foraminotomy and nucleus pulposus enucleation were performed in the patients. There were 13 males and 8 females, aged from 35 to 56 years old with an average of (47.3±5.1) years. The surgical segment of 6 cases were C, 10 cases were C and 5 cases were C. The "Zoning Method" was proposed and used to complete the foraminotomy under endoscope, and then to perform nucleus pulposus removal and nerve root decompression. The operation length, intraoperative bleeding volume and complications were recorded, and NDI, VAS were evaluated before operation, 1 day after the operation and 1 week after the operation.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful. The operation length was(46.10±26.39) min, intraoperative bleeding volume was (50.10±18.25) ml, and there were no complications such as nerve injury, dural tear or vertebral artery injury. All 21 patients were followed up for 3 to 9 months, with a median of 6 months. Postoperative VAS and NDI were obvious improved (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Endoscopic foraminotomy with "Zoning Method" is safe clinically significant, and consistent.

Biomechanical study on femoroplasty-augmentation for prevention of osteoporotic hip fractures / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore whether femoral plasty can improve the fracture resistance of osteoporotic femoral specimens and prevent hip fracture, and to compare the difference of mechanical strength changes between two different femoral plasty methods in osteoporotic femoral specimens, so as to determine the best strengthening area of the plasty.@*METHODS@#Eighteen pairs of fresh osteoporotic femur specimens were collected and divided into two groups, A and B, 9 pairs in each group. Nine fresh osteoporotic femur specimens in each group were randomly selected for enhancement, and the corresponding contralateral specimens were used as control group. In group A1, the enhancement areas were femoral head, femoral neck, femoral trochanter and subtrochantericregion. And in group B1, the enhancement areas were femoral head, femoral neck and femoral trochanter region. The amount of cement injected into the femoral neck was recorded and the surface temperature of the femoral neck was measured. All specimens were biomechanically tested under simulated falls. Load-displacement curves, final loads were recorded. The final energy and stiffness of specimens were calculated. The biomechanical differences between the specimens of the enhancement group and those of the corresponding control group were compared, and the mechanical changes of the specimens by two different enhancement methods were compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the ultimate load and energy of the specimens in the enhanced group increased significantly, but the stiffness did not change significantly. There was no significant difference in final load and energy between specimens strengthened by two different methods.@*CONCLUSION@#Femoral plasty has the advantages of minimally invasive, simple operationand remarkable effect. It can be used as a new method to prevent osteoporotic hip fracture.

Multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment of postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinom / 中国实用外科杂志

The treatment modality of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) includes surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation, interventional therapy, targeted therapy,and systemic chemotherapy. However,the complexity of disease condition often leads to unsatisfying outcome by single treatment, making multidisciplinary treatment an inevitable choice. Commonly used combined therapies are transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) combined with surgical resection,TACE combined with local ablation,and TACE combined with systemic treatment. In clinical practice,the goal of comprehensive treatment is prolonged survival and improved quality of life. Choosing different combination of therapies according to different liver function,general condition and recurrence of tumors can significantly improve the patients' survival.

Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Jejunal-Ileal Bypass on Metabolism and Body Weight in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of jejunal-ileal bypass(JIB) in addition to sleeve gastrectomy(SG) on glycemic regulation and body weight in Zucker Diabetic Fatty(ZDF) rats and underlying mechnisms. METHODS: Twelve ZDF(fa/fa) rats were randomly divided into two groups based upon the procedure performed including sleeve gastrectomy plus jejunal-ileal bypass surgery group(SG+JIB,n=6) and sleeve gastrectomy plus sham procedure group(SG+Sham,n=6). In addition,five healthy ZDF(fa/+) rats were employed as normal controls. Body weight,fasting blood glucose,food intake,oral glucose tolerance test and plasma GLP-1 levels were measured before surgery and at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperatively,all baseline parametes had no statistical difference between SG+JIB and SG+Sham groups. In comparison with SG+Sham group,fasting plasma glucose levels at postoperative week 2(17.3 mmol/L vs. 8.7 mmol/L) and 4(21.4 mmol/L vs. 11.9 mmol/L)were significantly lower in SG + JIB group(P<0.0001). Oral glucose tolerace was significantly improved,represented by glucose excursion area under curve for 180 minutes period(4221 vs.2964,P<0.0001 at postoperative week 2;and 4104 vs. 3388,P<0.01 at postoperative week 4). Simutaneously,plasma GLP-1 levels were significantly higher in SG + JIB group than SG + Sham group(64.58 pmol/L v.s.30.52 pmol/L,P<0.001). However,SG + JIB had less food intake and body weight only decreased at postoperative week 2,but not at week 4. CONCLUSION: By adding JIB onto SG,the metabolic regulation capability is able to be furtherly enhanced. However,it seems that there is not additional benefit in weight loss.Therefore,based upon these results,we suggest that SG + JIB should be recommended to the patients who needs additional metabolic effects,but not to the patients for the purpose of additional weight loss above SG alone.

Effect of Zhizhu Kuanzhong Capsules () on Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of Zhizhu Kuanzhong Capsules (, ZKC) for functional dyspepsia (FD) through meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#Online databases, including PubMed, EM base, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP database and Cochrane Library, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ZKC for FD from the inception to April, 2016. Trials were selected according to inclusion criteria and were evaluated with quality assessment standards in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Jadad scale. RevMan 5.3 and GRADEprofiler 3.6 were used for statistical analysis and evidence quality assessment.@*RESULTS@#Twenty-three trials with 2,496 patients were included and most of them were of poor methodological quality. ZKC alone or ZKC combined with routine Western medicine (WM) showed a better clinical effect rate compared with the control group of WM [odds ratio (OR)=3.32, 95% confidence interval (2.66, 4.15), P<0.00001]. No serious adverse reactions were reported.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ZKC alone or ZKC combined with routine WM could significantly improve the clinical effective rate in the treatment of FD. The quality of the evidence is low, so it is necessary to design multicenter, strictly randomized and double-blind controlled trials with large samples to validate the conclusions.

Quantitative and comparative proteomics analysis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and adjacent noncancerous tissues by 2-D DIGE / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify specific protein markers for renal cell carcinoma detection and diagnosis, as well as develop new potential therapeutic targets of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We used two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) technique conjunction with mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification of significant differentially expressed proteins between 15cases of paired clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and adjacent normal renal tissues. The protein spots were considered as differentially expressed if a 1.5-fold altered expression level was observed (Student's t test, P value<0.05).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 27 differentially expressed protein spots, 26 proteins were successfully identified. 11 proteins up-regulated in renal cell carcinoma,15 proteins down-regulated. Among them Short/branched chain specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (ACDSB), Aldose 1-epimerase (GALM), Peroxiredoxin-4 (PRDX4), Macrophage-capping protein (CAPG), Beta-defensin 107 (D107A), Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4) were first time screening as new differential expressed proteins by protomic study in renal cell carcinoma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>2-D DIGE is a useful technique for screening and analysis differential expressed proteins in renal cell carcinoma. These new differently expressed proteins may be useful for development new molecular markers for the tumor.</p>

Construction of specific artificial antigen-presenting cells for in vitro activation of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct CD19-specific artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) for in vitro activation and expansion of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CD19-CAR-T) and investigate their cytotoxic effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CD19-specific aAPCs (NIH3T3-CD19/86, NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L) expressing costimulatory molecules CD86 and/or CD137L were prepared on the basis of NIH3T3 backbone cells by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer. Irradiated CD19-specific aAPCs were co-cultured with CD19-CAR-T cells to activate and amplify CD19-CAR-T cells. The growth curve of CD19-CAR-T cells was determined by trypan blue exclusion assay, and CD19CAR expression and phenotype on CD19-CAR-T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity of CD19-CAR-T cells against the target cells was evaluated by bioluminescence-based cytotoxicity assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Flow cytometry showed that NIH3T3-CD19/86 and NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L expressed high levels of CD19, CD86 and/or CD137L. Both NIH3T3-CD19/86 and NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L cells could amplify CD19-CAR-T cells efficiently, but NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L cells had better amplification effect. After 14 days of co-culture with NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L cells, the number of CD19-CAR-T cells was significantly greater than that of NIH3T3-CD19/86 cells (P<0.05), and the proportion of CD19-CAR-T cells in the total T cells increased significantly (P<0.05). CD19-CAR-T cells amplified by CD19-specific aAPCs produced target-specific cytotoxicity and were able to specifically kill CD19-positive target cells. About 20% central memory T cells were present in the final products expanded by NIH3T3-CD19/86/137L.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We successfully prepared CD19-specific aAPCs that can specifically amplify functional CD19-CART cells in vitro, which facilitates the acquisition of clinical-scale high-quality CD19-CART cells.</p>

Evaluation of Quality Coherence of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. from Different Producing Areas Based on HPLC Fingerprint and PCA / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To evaluate the quality coherence of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim.from different producing areas by HPLC fingerprint and PCA; To provide a method for quality control. Methods Samples were separated by Hibar C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with acetonitrile-water as gradient mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The wavelength was 203 nm and the temperature was 30 ℃. Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System and PCA were used to analyze the data. Results The results of method validation of HPLC fingerprint met technical standards.15 common peaks was verified and the similarities of 14 batches of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. from different producing areas were among 0.389–0.979. 3 principal components with the characteristic root cumulative contribution rate reaching 87.674% were screened out by PCA results. The composite score of S2 was the highest (4.926), and the quality was the best. Conclusion The application of HPLC combined with PCA can objectively and effectively evaluate the quality difference of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim.from different producing areas.

Development and Initial Validation of the Novel Scale for Assessing Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There has been no a specific scale to measure quality of life (QOL) for prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to date. This study aimed to develop and initially validate the scale to evaluate QOL for prostate cancer patients receiving ADT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The scale was developed following international recommendations. Moreover, the items were all generated through literature review and referenced questionnaires. After being reviewed by expert panelists, the revised scale was formed and then completed by a convenience sample of 200 prostate cancer patients from our hospital. Explore factor analysis (EFA) was applied to test the construct validity, then split-half reliability, Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability were applied to assess the reliability and stability of the scale.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The revised scale contained 22 items and a total of 200 participants had completed the scale. One hundred participants were randomly selected from the total 200 participants to perform EFA with varimax rotation on the revised scale, and "hot flashes" item was deleted for low factor loading. We selected only 3 items from each factor, then, the final scale was formed with 18-items. We selected another 100 participants to perform the EFA again on the final scale. It was demonstrated that the structure with 6 factors explained 72.5% of total variance and factor loading value was above 0.40 in all items of the factors. Moreover, the split-half reliability coefficient, Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability coefficient were calculated to be 0.74, 0.63, and 0.89, respectively, exhibiting good reliability on the whole.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The scale was identified to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure QOL for prostate cancer patients receiving ADT. Moreover, further research is needed to overcome the potential drawbacks.</p>

Evaluation of Quality Coherence of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. from Different Producing Areas Based on HPLC Fingerprint and PCA / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To evaluate the quality coherence of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim.from different producing areas by HPLC fingerprint and PCA; To provide a method for quality control. Methods Samples were separated by Hibar C18 (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) with acetonitrile-water as gradient mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The wavelength was 203 nm and the temperature was 30 ℃. Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System and PCA were used to analyze the data. Results The results of method validation of HPLC fingerprint met technical standards.15 common peaks was verified and the similarities of 14 batches of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim. from different producing areas were among 0.389–0.979. 3 principal components with the characteristic root cumulative contribution rate reaching 87.674% were screened out by PCA results. The composite score of S2 was the highest (4.926), and the quality was the best. Conclusion The application of HPLC combined with PCA can objectively and effectively evaluate the quality difference of Trillium tschonoskii Maxim.from different producing areas.

Intravascular Ultrasound Classification of Plaque in Angiographic True Bifurcation Lesions of the Left Main Coronary Artery / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Accurately, characterizing plaques is critical for selecting the optimal intervention strategy for the left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation. Coronary angiography cannot precisely assess the location or nature of plaques in bifurcation lesions. Few intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) classification scheme has been reported for angiographic imaging of true bifurcation lesions of the unprotected LMCA thus far. In addition, the plaque composition at the bifurcation has not been elucidated. This study aimed to detect plaque composition at LMCA bifurcation lesions by IVUS.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-eight patients were recruited. The location, concentricity or eccentricity, site of maximum thickness, and composition of plaques of the distal LMCA, ostial left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and, left circumflex (LCX) coronary artery were assessed using IVUS and described using illustrative diagrams.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>True bifurcation lesions of the unprotected LMCA were classified into four types: Type A, with continuous involvement from the distal LMCA to the ostial LAD and the ostial LCX with eccentric plaques; Type B, with concentric plaques at the distal LMCA, eccentric plaques at the ostial LAD, and no plaques at the LCX; Type C, with continuous involvement from the distal LMCA to the ostial LCX, with eccentric plaques, and to the ostial LAD, with eccentric plaques; and Type D, with continuous involvement from the distal LMCA to the ostial LAD, with eccentric plaques, and to the ostial LCX, with concentric plaques. The carina was involved in only 3.5% of the plaques. A total of 51.7% of the plaques at the ostium of the LAD were soft, while 44.8% and 44.6% were fibrous in the distal LMCA and in the ostial LCX, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>We classified LMCA true bifurcation lesions into four types. The carina was always free from disease. Plaques at the ostial LAD tended to be soft, whereas those at the ostial LCX and the distal LMCA tended to be fibrous.</p>